Unusual rock formations in Cappadocia in Turkey

Central Anatolia in Turkey is best known for its unusual rock formations in Cappadocia and its unique moon-like landscape, underground cities, cave churches and houses carved in the rocks. Cappadocia offers outstanding examples of Byzantine art. The historic area is bounded by the towns of Hacıbektaş, Aksaray, Niğde and Kayseri (cf. map below). The caved town of Göreme is the center of the historic area and offers plenty of accommodation.

Cappadocia Underground Cities

Ancient volcanic eruptions blanketed this region with thick ash, which solidified into a soft rock—called tuff—tens of meters thick. Erosion, forced by wind and water, has formed caves, clefts, pinnacles, “fairy chimneys” (over 40 meters tall) and unusual folds in the soft volcanic rock turning into the unusual rock formations in Cappadocia we see today. Cappadocia is a region of exceptional natural wonders, in particular characterized by fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage.

Cappadocia Caves History

The earliest record of the name of Cappadocia dates long before the time of Jesus. The uncomfortably site on the boundary between rival empires; first the Greeks and Persians and later the Byzantine Greeks and a host of rivals meant that residents needed hiding places. The way to do this was to tunneling into the rock itself.The Bible’s New Testament tells of Cappadocia and the site became a religious refuge during the early days of Christianity. Kaymakli is an example of an underground city where the Christians took refuge in troubled times. There are 100 km of tunnels in eight floors.

Due to its geological, historic, and cultural interest, the area is a very popular tourist destination.

Ballooning Cappadocia

Cappadocia is well-known for hot-air ballooning and trekking.

If you liked this article, please share with your network in the left side and hit FOLLOW US up at the top right corner of the page to catch our future articles.

Pictures of Cappadocia Turkey

Churches and houses are carved into the rocks in Goreme, Cappadocia.Alien and spectacular landscape in Cappadocia Turkey.Dramatic rocky moon-like landscape.The incredible old town of Göreme is indeed worth a visit.Chimneys are very typical for the Cappadocia area.The houses in Cappadocia are often carved into the rock pinnacles.It is very popular to fly over Cappadocia landscape in hot air balloons.